Wireless locating of an incontinence detection pad via a patient bed

ABSTRACT

An incontinence detection pad for detecting incontinence events includes a moisture absorbent layer that has non-embossed areas and embossed areas. The non-embossed areas have a first density of fibers of the layer, and the embossed areas have a second density of fibers of the layer that is greater than the first density. The incontinence detection pad further includes a plurality of electrodes positioned beneath the moisture absorbent layer and a transmitter connected to the plurality of electrodes and configured to transmit a signal indicative of a status of the moisture absorbent layer.

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/879,865, filed Jan. 25, 2018, now U.S. Patent No. XXXXXXXX, whichclaims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/456,903, which was filed Feb. 9, 2017, and each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to incontinence pads that sense patientincontinence. More specifically, the present disclosure relates todisposable incontinence pads of hospital beds, medical beds, or othertypes of beds in which the disposable incontinence pads are designed toabsorb liquid in case of incontinent events.

In a care facility, such as a hospital or a nursing home, patients areoften placed on patient support apparatuses for an extended period oftime. Some patients who are positioned on the patient supportapparatuses may have a risk of developing certain skin conditions, suchas bed sores (also known as pressure sores or decubitus ulcers), due toheat and moisture present at the interface of the patient and thesurface of a bed mattress. In an effort to mitigate or prevent suchconditions, some bed mattresses have a built-in microclimate structure.While various microclimate management systems have been developed, incertain applications there is still room for improvement. Thus, a needpersists for further contributions in this area of technology.

SUMMARY

The present application discloses one or more of the features recited inthe appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in anycombination, may comprise patentable subject matter:

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an incontinencedetection pad comprises a moisture absorbent layer, a plurality ofelectrodes positioned beneath the moisture absorbent layer, and atransmitter connected to the plurality of electrodes and configured totransmit a signal indicative of a status of the moisture absorbentlayer. The moisture absorbent layer includes (i) non-embossed areas witha first density of fibers of the moisture absorbent layer and (ii)embossed areas with a second density of fibers of the moisture absorbentlayer. The second density is greater than the first density.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas are configured to draw moisturetoward a peripheral region of the incontinence detection pad.

In some embodiments, the incontinence detection pad further includes atop layer positioned atop the moisture absorbent layer. The top layerincludes a nonwoven moisture-wicking material that is orientedhorizontally along the top layer.

In some embodiments, the plurality of electrodes is printed on a barrierlayer positioned underneath the moisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the moisture absorbent layer includes a moistureabsorbent material forming an increasing density gradient. Theincreasing density gradient is formed from a top surface to a bottomsurface of the moisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the transmitter is a Radio Frequency Identification(RFID) tag.

In some embodiments, the transmitter is configured to communicate with areader that evaluates the transmitted signal to determine the status ofthe moisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the reader is an RFID reader.

In some embodiments, the reader is further configured to wirelesslycommunicate with a server to alert a caregiver of the status of themoisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the server is included in a nurse call system.

In some embodiments, the server is included in an electronic medicalrecord (EMR) system.

In some embodiments, the server is configured to communicate with amobile device of a caregiver.

In some embodiments, the server is configured to communicate with asmart device of a caregiver.

In some embodiments, the reader is further configured to communicatewith a server to alert a caregiver of the status of the moistureabsorbent layer via a wired connection.

In some embodiments, the wired connection comprises a nurse call cable.

In some embodiments, the reader is further configured to communicatewith a notification system to alert a caregiver of the status of themoisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas are compressed into apre-determined pattern.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a sinusoidal wave pattern.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a zig-zag pattern.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a pattern havingnon-intersecting lines.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a pattern havingnon-intersecting lines that horizontally extend along the moistureabsorbent layer.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an incontinencedetection pad comprises a moisture absorbent layer, a top layerpositioned atop the moisture absorbent layer having a moisture absorbentmaterial, embossed areas formed by compressing the top layer and themoisture absorbent layer, a plurality of electrodes positioned beneaththe moisture absorbent layer, and a transmitter connected to theplurality of electrodes and configured to transmit a signal indicativeof a status of the moisture absorbent layer. The top layer includes anonwoven moisture-wicking material that is oriented horizontally alongthe top layer. The top layer and the moisture absorbent layer include(i) non-embossed areas have a first density of fibers of the moistureabsorbent layer and (ii) the embossed areas have a second density offibers of the moisture absorbent layer that is greater than the firstdensity.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas are configured to draw moisturetoward a peripheral region of the incontinence detection pad.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas are compressed into apre-determined pattern.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a sinusoidal wave pattern.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a zig-zag pattern.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a pattern havingnon-intersecting lines.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a pattern havingnon-intersecting lines that horizontally extend along the moistureabsorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the plurality of electrodes is printed on a barrierlayer positioned underneath the moisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the moisture absorbent material forms an increasingdensity gradient. The increasing density gradient is formed from a topsurface to a bottom surface of the moisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the transmitter is a Radio Frequency Identification(RFID) tag.

In some embodiments, the transmitter is configured to communicate with areader that evaluates the transmitted signal to determine the status ofthe moisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the reader is an RFID reader.

In some embodiments, the reader is further configured to wirelesslycommunicate with a server to alert a caregiver of the status of themoisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the server is included in a nurse call system.

In some embodiments, the server is included in an electronic medicalrecord (EMR) system.

In some embodiments, the server is configured to communicate with amobile device of a caregiver.

In some embodiments, the server is configured to communicate with asmart device of a caregiver.

In some embodiments, the reader is further configured to communicatewith a server to alert a caregiver of the status of the moistureabsorbent layer via a wired connection.

In some embodiments, the wired connection comprises a nurse call cable.

In some embodiments, the reader is further configured to communicatewith a notification system to alert a caregiver of the status of themoisture absorbent layer.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an incontinencedetection pad comprises a moisture absorbent layer, a plurality ofmoisture absorbent blocks, a plurality of electrodes positioned beneaththe moisture absorbent layer, and a transmitter connected to theplurality of electrodes and configured to transmit a signal indicativeof a status of the moisture absorbent layer. The moisture absorbentlayer includes (i) non-embossed areas with a first density of fibers ofthe moisture absorbent layer and (ii) embossed areas with a seconddensity of fibers of the moisture absorbent layer. The second density isgreater than the first density. The plurality of moisture absorbentblocks is positioned on each side of the moisture absorbent layer. Themoisture absorbent blocks includes a moisture absorbent material.

In some embodiments, the moisture absorbent layer extends into themoisture absorbent block such that the moisture absorbent block absorbsthe moisture from the moisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas are configured to draw moisturetoward the plurality of moisture absorbent blocks.

In some embodiments, the incontinence detection pad further includes atop layer positioned atop the moisture absorbent layer. The top layerincludes a nonwoven moisture-wicking material that is orientedhorizontally along the top layer.

In some embodiments, the plurality of electrodes is printed on a barrierlayer positioned underneath the moisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the moisture absorbent layer includes a moistureabsorbent material forming an increasing density gradient. Theincreasing density gradient is formed from a top surface to a bottomsurface of the moisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the transmitter is included in a Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID) tag.

In some embodiments, the transmitter is configured to communicate with areader that evaluates the transmitted signal to determine the status ofthe moisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the reader is an RFID reader.

In some embodiments, the reader is further configured to wirelesslycommunicate with a server to alert a caregiver of the status of themoisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the server is included in a nurse call system.

In some embodiments, the server is included in an electronic medicalrecord (EMR) system.

In some embodiments, the server is configured to communicate with amobile device of a caregiver.

In some embodiments, the server is configured to communicate with asmart device of a caregiver.

In some embodiments, the reader is further configured to communicatewith a server to alert a caregiver of the status of the moistureabsorbent layer via a wired connection.

In some embodiments, the wired connection comprises a nurse call cable.

In some embodiments, the reader is further configured to communicatewith a notification system to alert a caregiver of the status of themoisture absorbent layer.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas are compressed into apre-determined pattern.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a sinusoidal wave pattern.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a zig-zag pattern.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a pattern havingnon-intersecting lines.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a pattern havingnon-intersecting lines that horizontally extend along the moistureabsorbent layer.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, an incontinencedetection pad comprises a moisture absorbent layer, a plurality ofelectrodes positioned beneath the moisture absorbent layer, atransmitter connected to the plurality of electrodes and configured totransmit a signal indicative of a status of the moisture absorbentlayer, and a microclimate layer positioned between the moistureabsorbent layer and the plurality of electrodes. The moisture absorbentlayer includes (i) non-embossed areas with a first density of fibers ofthe moisture absorbent layer and (ii) embossed areas with a seconddensity of fibers of the moisture absorbent layer. The second density isgreater than the first density. The microclimate layer includes athree-dimensional material that is configured to conduct air between themoisture absorbent layer and the plurality of electrodes.

In some embodiments, the microclimate layer is configured to be coupledto a blower.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas are configured to draw moisturetoward a peripheral region of the incontinence detection pad.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas are compressed into apre-determined pattern.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a sinusoidal wave pattern.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a zig-zag pattern.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a pattern havingnon-intersecting lines.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas form a pattern havingnon-intersecting lines that horizontally extend along the moistureabsorbent layer.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus formodifying the temperature of a person's skin in a localized regioncomprises a skin contacting layer, a moisture absorbent layer atop theskin contacting layer, and a moisture absorbent material positioned at aperimeter of the layer. The moisture absorbent layer atop the skincontacting layer includes (i) non-embossed areas with a first density offibers of the moisture absorbent layer and (ii) embossed areas with asecond density of fibers of the moisture absorbent layer. The seconddensity is greater than the first density.

In some embodiments, the skin contacting layer is capable of adhering tothe person's skin surrounding an anatomic site.

In some embodiments, the embossed areas extend from a center of themoisture absorbent layer toward the moisture absorbent material at theperimeter of the moisture absorbent layer.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, an incontinencedetection pad comprises a moisture absorbent layer, a plurality ofelectrodes positioned beneath the moisture absorbent layer, atransmitter connected to the plurality of electrodes and configured totransmit a signal indicative of a status of the moisture absorbentlayer, and a resistor inductor unit positioned between the plurality ofelectrodes and the transmitter.

In some embodiments, the transmitter includes a tamper input.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, an incontinencedetection pad comprises a moisture absorbent layer, a plurality ofelectrodes positioned beneath the moisture absorbent layer, atransmitter connected to the plurality of electrodes and configured totransmit a signal indicative of a status of the moisture absorbentlayer, and a resonant stub positioned between the plurality ofelectrodes and the transmitter.

In some embodiments, the resonant stub comprises a quarter wave resonantstub.

In some embodiments, the transmitter includes a tamper input.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, an incontinencedetection pad comprises a moisture absorbent layer, a plurality ofelectrodes positioned beneath the moisture absorbent layer, atransmitter connected to the plurality of electrodes and configured totransmit a signal indicative of a status of the moisture absorbentlayer, an antenna, a matching and pairing network, and a resonant stubpositioned between the plurality of electrodes and the transmitter.

In some embodiments, the transmitter includes a tamper input.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofpairing a primary device with a secondary device comprises (i) receivinga request from the secondary device that the secondary device is seekinga corresponding primary device, (ii) monitoring a plurality of primarydevices connected to the server for a key, (iii) detecting a primarydevice with the key, (iv) pairing the secondary device with the primarydevice such that the secondary device is associated with a location ofthe primary device, and (iv) transmitting a verification of the pairingto the secondary device.

In some embodiments, the key comprises a predefined action of theprimary device.

In some embodiments, the key is predefined by a manufacturer, aprovider, or a user.

In some embodiments, the key is defined by a sequence of events totransmit data from a primary device that are unlikely to occur on anyother primary devices.

Additional features, which alone or in combination with any otherfeature(s), including those listed above and those listed in the claims,may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a moisture detection systemincluding a patient support apparatus and an incontinence detection padpositioned on the patient support apparatus for detecting moisturepresence;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of anincontinence detection pad for detecting moisture presence indicative ofan incontinence event;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the incontinence detection pad ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a barrier layer of the incontinence detectionpad of FIGS. 2 and 3 having a moisture detection system;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of anincontinence detection pad having compressed embossed areas;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of the embossed areas of theincontinence detection pad of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion the incontinence detectionpad of FIGS. 5 and 6 taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of anincontinence detection pad with absorbent blocks positioned on each sideof the incontinence detection pad;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a moisture-wicking dressing;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the moisture-wicking dressing ofFIG. 9 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a microclimate managementtopper system;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a microclimate management topper ofthe microclimate management topper system of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 13-16 are diagrams of moisture detection systems configured toprevent false positive detections of incontinence events caused byerratic operation of the moisture detection system; and

FIG. 17A-D is a pairing process between a primary device and a secondarydevice such that the secondary device is associated with a location ofthe primary device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to one or more illustrativeembodiments shown in the drawings and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The incontinencedetection systems described herein are able to detect biofluids such asblood, urine, fecal matter, interstitial fluid, saline, or any otherfluid having a large concentration of ions that easily conductelectricity. The term “incontinence” as used herein is intended to coverall of these biofluids.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an illustrative incontinence detection system100 to detect moisture presence indicative of an incontinence event isshown. The incontinence detection system 100 includes a patient supportapparatus 102, an incontinence detection pad 104, a reader 106, and aserver 108. The illustrative patient support apparatus 102 is embodiedas a hospital bed. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments,the patient support apparatus 102 may be embodied as a residential bed,a chair, a wheelchair, a mattress, a stretcher, a patient transportdevice, or any other type of person support apparatus.

The illustrative incontinence detection pad 104 of FIG. 1 is configuredto provide a directional wicking of any biofluids of a patient, such assweat or urine in the case of an incontinent event, to draw the moistureaway from the patient 110. To do so, the incontinence detection pad 104is adapted to support a patient 110 lying on the patient supportapparatus 102. Specifically, the incontinence detection pad 104 ispositioned atop the patient support apparatus 102 and configured tounderlie a body area of the patient 110 supported on the patient supportapparatus 102 that is prone to moisture buildup, for example, apatient's pelvic region. Of course, it should be appreciated that theincontinence detection pad 104 may be freely movable on the patientsupport apparatus 102 to be positioned in an area or zone in which it isdesired to conduct surveillance for unwanted moisture or other moisturerelated abnormalities. In other embodiments, the incontinence detectionpad 104 may be integrated into the patient support apparatus 102, suchas a mattress. In still other embodiments, the incontinence detectionpad 104 may be integrated within an undergarment or other article ofclothing or the incontinence detection pad 104 itself is a diaper ordisposable undergarment.

The incontinence detection pad 104 further includes a moisture detectionsensor system 112 for detecting the presence of moisture. Theillustrative moisture detection sensor system 112 includes a pluralityof electrodes 114 and a moisture sensor 116. The plurality of electrodes114 is connected to and extends from the moisture sensor 116, which isdiscussed in detail below. In the illustrative embodiment, the moisturesensor 116 is embodied as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag116. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the moisturesensor 116 may be any sensor that is capable of detecting the moisturepresence. The RFID tag 116 used in the incontinence pad 104 is a passivetag or chip that communicates with an associated reader 106 by using theelectromagnetic field generated by one or more antennae of the reader106 to power the RFID tag 116. In some embodiments, a semi-passive oractive RFID tag 116 is used. The RFID tag 116 is configured tocommunicate with RFID reader 106 to send stored data, and the reader 106or other processing circuitry determines whether the incontinencedetection pad 104 is wet or dry by evaluating the data transmitted fromthe RFID tag 116.

In the illustrative example, the reader 106 is configured to communicatea moisture event to the server 108, for example, a server included in anurse call system and/or an EMR (electronic medical record) system oreven a server configured to communicate with a caregiver's mobile orsmart device. In some embodiments, the reader 106 may communicate viaWi-Fi antenna or other known wireless communication equipment andprotocols. Alternatively or additionally, the reader 106 may communicatethe moisture event via a wired connection, such as a nurse call cable.In some embodiments, the incontinence detection system 100 may furtherinclude an alert module (not shown) on bed 102 or nearby bed 102 foralerting detected incontinence events.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, an illustrative embodiment of anincontinence detection pad 200 includes an acquisition layer 202, adistribution layer 204, an absorbent layer 206, a barrier layer 208, anda moisture detection sensor system 112 implemented as a part of thebarrier layer 208. The incontinence detection pad 200 further includes atargeted region 212. In use, the targeted region 212 of the incontinencedetection pad 200 is configured to be positioned underneath thepatient's pelvic region or other body region that is susceptible tomoisture buildup in order to draw the moisture away from the patient.

The acquisition layer 202 includes a moisture-wicking material that ishorizontally oriented within the acquisition layer 202. For example, inthe illustrative embodiment, the moisture-wicking material is nonwovenand non-linear polymeric or pulp fibers that are horizontally orientedinto a nonwoven web structure. The orientation of the moisture-wickingmaterial of the acquisition layer 202 is adapted to provide capillaryaction or wicking properties to direct moisture in a horizontaldirection to draw the moisture toward peripheral regions of theacquisition layer 202. In some embodiments, the moisture-wickingmaterial may form a density gradient across the acquisition layer 202such that a density of the moisture-wicking material increases from acenter to the peripheral regions of the acquisition layer 202. In suchembodiment, the density gradient of the moisture-wicking materialprovides a further capillary action to direct moisture in the horizontaldirection to draw the moisture from the center toward the peripheralregions of the acquisition layer 202. The remaining moisture or liquidin the acquisition layer 202 travels downwardly (e.g., by the force ofgravity) into the distribution layer 204 to further provide the moisturewicking in the direction towards peripheral region of the incontinencedetection pad 200.

Similar to the acquisition layer 202, the distribution layer 204 alsoincludes a moisture-wicking material that is horizontally orientedwithin the distribution layer 204. For example, in the illustrativeembodiment, the moisture-wicking material is nonwoven and non-linearpolymeric or pulp fibers that are horizontally oriented into a nonwovenweb structure. The orientation of the moisture-wicking material of thedistribution layer 204 is adapted to provide capillary action or wickingproperties to direct moisture in a horizontal direction to draw themoisture toward peripheral regions of the distribution layer 204. Insome embodiments, the moisture-wicking material may form a densitygradient across the distribution layer 204 such that a density of themoisture-wicking material increases from a center to the peripheralregions of the distribution layer 204. In such embodiment, the densitygradient of the moisture-wicking material provides a further capillaryaction to direct moisture in the horizontal direction to draw themoisture from the center toward the peripheral regions of thedistribution layer 204. It should be appreciated that in someembodiments, the acquisition layer 202 and the distribution layer 204may be combined into one layer.

The absorbent layer 206 includes an absorbent material, such as athree-dimensional fibrous or woven material. For example, the absorbentlayer 206 may be made of a super absorbent polymer (SAP) material whichprovides 3-5 times more moisture absorption than the materials of theacquisition and/or distribution layers 202, 204 described above. In theillustrative embodiment, the absorbent material is arranged within theabsorbent layer 206 to form a density gradient to provide capillaryaction or wicking properties to direct moisture away from a targetedregion 212. For example, an increasing density gradient is preferablyformed from the targeted region 212 outwardly toward peripheral regionsof the incontinence detection pad 200. In some embodiments, anincreasing density gradient is also formed downwardly or vertically froman upper surface to a bottom surface of the absorbent layer 206. Suchvertical arrangement of the absorbent material provides capillary actionor wicking properties to direct moisture in a vertical direction. Theabsorbent layer 206 is configured to absorb the moisture and draw themoisture downwardly toward the moisture detection sensor system 112 ofthe barrier layer 208 as indicated by arrows 218.

The barrier layer 208 is made of an impermeable material which providesa barrier to prevent moisture penetration to a support surface or framebeneath the incontinence detection pad 200. For example, in theillustrative embodiment, the impermeable material is polyethylene (PE).In other embodiments, the impermeable material may be polypropylene (PP)sheets and/or polyurethane (PU) sheets. The barrier layer 208 may or maynot be breathable. In some embodiments, the barrier layer 208 may besubstantially waterproof. As discussed above, the barrier layer 208further includes a moisture detection sensor system 112 for detectingmoisture presence and, in some embodiments, moisture volume.

In use, the targeted region 212 of the incontinence detection pad 200 isconfigured to be positioned underneath the patient's body area that issusceptible to moisture buildup. Any patient moisture or liquid travelsdownwardly (e.g., by the force of gravity) as indicated by arrows 210into the acquisition layer 202. Once the moisture is in the acquisitionlayer 202, the nonwoven moisture-wicking material of the acquisitionlayer 202 is adapted to draw the moisture away from the targeted region212 in the direction of fiber orientation towards the peripheral regionsof the incontinence detection pad 200 as indicated by arrows 214. Asdiscussed above, the acquisition layer 202 is configured to permit atransmission of the moisture to the distribution layer 204 to furtherprovide the moisture wicking in the direction towards the peripheralregion of the incontinence detection pad 200 as indicated by arrows 216.The remaining moisture or liquid then travels downwardly (e.g., by theforce of gravity) as indicated by arrows 218 into the absorbent layer206. As discussed above, the absorbent layer 206 is configured to absorbthe moisture and draw the moisture downwardly toward a bottom of theabsorbent layer 206 towards the moisture detection sensor system 112 ofthe barrier layer 208.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a detailed diagram of the moisture detectionsensor system 112 of the barrier layer 208 is shown. The moisturedetection sensor system 112 includes a plurality of electrodes 114 and amoisture sensor 116. The electrodes 114 are made of a conductivematerial, such as, carbon, silver, copper, zinc and graphene. In theillustrative embodiment, the plurality of electrodes 114 is printeddirectly onto a top surface of the barrier layer 208 that faces theabsorbent layer 206. In some embodiments, the plurality of electrodes114 may be embedded in the barrier layer 208. In other embodiments, theplurality of electrodes 114 may be embedded in a bottom surface of theabsorbent layer 206.

As shown in FIG. 4, a first set of electrode segments 120, 122, 126 isconnected to a first end of the moisture sensor 116, and a second set ofelectrode segments 118, 124 is connected to a second end of the moisturesensor 116. Specifically, the plurality of electrodes 114 includes anelectrode segment 118 that extends along a length of the barrier layer208 and an electrode segment 120 that extends along a width of thebarrier layer 208, such that the electrode segment 118 and the electrodesegment 120 are perpendicular to one another. The plurality ofelectrodes 114 further includes an electrode segment 122 that extendsperpendicular to the electrode segment 120 along the length of thebarrier layer 208 such that the electrode segment 122 is parallel to theelectrode segment 118. The electrode segment 118 further includeselectrode segments 124 that extend from the electrode segment 118 towardthe electrode segment 122. The electrode segment 122 further includeselectrode segments 126 that extend from the electrode segment 122 towardthe electrode segment 118. The electrode segments 124, 126 areinterdigitated to enhance the ability of the moisture sensor 116 todetect areas of moisture that may be oriented between the electrodesegments 118, 122.

In use, the moisture sensor 116 applies a voltage to the plurality ofelectrodes 114. If a sufficient volume of moisture or liquid iscollected to span a gap between at least one of the first set of theelectrode segments 120, 122, 126 and at least one of the second set ofthe electrode segments 118, 124, an electrical current passes throughthe moisture from one electrode segment to another electrode segment,and the moisture sensor 116 detects the moisture presence. Suchsufficient volume of moisture falls within a detection range of themoisture detection sensor system 112 and defines a sensitivity of themoisture detection sensor system 112.

It should be appreciated that the moisture volume required depends onhow quickly the collected moisture can spread out between the electrodesegments 114. For example, in an embodiment of a moisture detection padthat has no moisture wicking properties, moisture spreads out from anorigin of the source in all directions generally equally, creating agenerally circular wicking shape. In contrast, as discussed above, thecombination of the horizontal orientation of the nonwoven material ofthe acquisition and distribution layers 202, 204 and the horizontaldensity gradient of the absorbent material of the absorbent layer 206 ofthe incontinence detection pad 200 enhances the wicking property of theincontinence detection pad 200 and draws moisture in the horizontaldirection 214, shown in FIG. 2, from the targeted region 212. As such,the directional wicking property of the moisture detection pad 200quickly spreads out the collected moisture horizontally in direction 214between the vertical electrode segments 124, 126 or between any one ofthe first set of the electrode segments 120, 122, 126 and any one of thesecond set of electrode segments 118, 124 for faster detection than ifno density gradient were provided.

The density gradient also allows the moisture detection sensor system112 to implement a narrower detection range to avoid false positives(i.e., a determination that an incontinence event such as a bowelmovement or urination occurred when it did not) caused by perspiration.For example, if the detection range is too broad, a small amount ofsweat or other biofluid that is not related to an incontinence event butwhich may otherwise complete and connect two electrodes. This isespecially true at the lower end of the range. For example, in someembodiments, a moisture volume required for the moisture detectionsensor system 112 to detect the presence of moisture is between 20-80milliliters. In such case, for a patient who normally secretes about 20milliliters of sweat or other biofluid that is not related to anincontinence event will constantly generate false positives. It shouldbe appreciated that with the enhanced wicking properties, the moisturevolume required for the moisture detection sensor system 112 to detectthe presence of moisture may be narrowed, for example, 40-80milliliters, such that 20 milliliters of sweat would not generate afalse positive, thereby reducing a number of false positives. Byreducing the number of false positives, caregivers such as nurses mayreduce the amount of time spent investigating whether detections ofincontinence events are erroneous and focus more of their time onremoving soiled sheets, garments, and other materials from patients whohave actually experienced an incontinence event.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, an alternative embodiment of an incontinencedetection pad 300 is shown. The incontinence detection pad 300 includesa targeted region 312, an acquisition layer 302, a distribution layer304, an absorbent layer 306, a barrier layer 308, and a moisturedetection sensor system 112 implemented as a part of the barrier layer308. In use, similar to the incontinence detection pad 200, the targetedregion 312 of the incontinence detection pad 300 is positionedunderneath the patient's pelvic region or other body region that issusceptible to moisture buildup to draw the moisture away from thepatient toward the moisture detection sensor system 112. It should beappreciated that the moisture sensor system of the incontinencedetection pad 300 illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 is substantially similar tothe moisture sensor system of the incontinence detection pad 200discussed above in reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4. Suchfeatures are designated in FIGS. 5-7 with the same reference numbers asthose used in FIGS. 2-4.

In addition, the acquisition layer 302, the distribution layer 304, andthe barrier layer 308 have similar properties and characteristics as theacquisition layer 202, the distribution layers 204, and the barrierlayer 208 of FIGS. 2-4, respectively. For example, the acquisition layer402, similar to the acquisition layer 202 of FIGS. 2-3, includes anonwoven moisture-wicking material that is configured to providecapillary action or wicking properties to direct moisture in ahorizontal direction. The distribution layer 404, similar to thedistribution layer 204 of FIGS. 2-3, includes a nonwovenmoisture-wicking material that is configured to further providecapillary action or wicking properties to direct moisture in thehorizontal direction. Further, the barrier layer 308, similar to thebarrier layer 208 of FIGS. 2-3, is typically polyethylene (PE) whichprovides a barrier to prevent moisture penetration to a support surfaceor frame beneath the incontinence detection pad 200. Like the barrierlayer 208, the barrier layer 308 also includes a moisture detectionsensor system 112 for detecting moisture presence. As discussed above,the moisture detection sensor system 112 includes a plurality ofelectrodes 114 and a moisture sensor 116. In the illustrativeembodiment, the plurality of electrodes 114 is printed directly onto atop surface of the barrier layer 308 that faces the absorbent layer 306.

The absorbent layer 306, similar to the absorbent layer 206 of FIG. 2,includes an absorbent material arranged within the absorbent layer 206to form a density gradient to provide capillary action or wickingproperties to direct moisture away from the targeted region 312. To doso, in the illustrative embodiment, an increasing density gradient ispreferably formed from the targeted region 312 outwardly towardperipheral regions of the incontinence detection pad 300 as shown inFIG. 5. In other words, the absorbent material is more densely packed atthe peripheral regions of the absorbent layer 306 compared to theabsorbent material at the targeted region 312. Such structuralarrangement of the absorbent material allows moisture to be drawn awayfrom the targeted region 312 toward the peripheral regions of theabsorbent layer 306. In some embodiments, an increasing density gradientis also formed downwardly from a top surface to a bottom surface of theabsorbent layer 306 in the thickness direction. Such structuralarrangement of the absorbent material provides capillary action orwicking properties to direct moisture in a vertical direction toward abottom surface of the absorbent layer 306. As discussed above, thebarrier layer 308 includes the moisture detection sensor system 112facing the absorbent layer 306. As such, the downward density gradientof the absorbent layer 306 is configured to quickly draw the moisturedownwardly toward the bottom of the absorbent layer 306 close to themoisture detection sensor system 112 for faster detection than if nodensity gradient were provided.

As shown in FIG. 5, the illustrative absorbent layer 306 furtherincludes embossed areas 310 that are compressed into a pre-determinedshape or pattern. In the illustrative embodiment, the embossed areas 310form a sinusoidal wave pattern that extends generally horizontallyacross the absorbent layer 306 perpendicular to the vertical segments124, 126 of the electrodes 114. It should be appreciated that thepattern of the embossed areas 310 may be any shape or pattern. It shouldbe appreciated, however, the pattern is preferably non-intersectinglines, such as, sinusoidal waves or zig-zag lines, that generallyextends horizontally across the absorbent layer 306. Such arrangement isconfigured to enhance the directional wicking of moisture toward theperipheral regions of the absorbent layer 306 in a directionperpendicular to the vertical segments 124, 126 of the moisturedetection sensor system 112. As such, the directional wicking propertyof the moisture detection pad 300 establishes faster detection byquickly spreading out moisture horizontally between the verticalsegments 124, 126 or between any one of the first set of the electrodesegments 120, 122, 126 and any one of the second set of electrodesegments 118, 124 for faster detection, as discussed in detail above.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a portion of the absorbent layer 306 isshown. As shown in FIG. 6, the embossed areas 310 of the absorbent layer306 are positioned between non-embossed areas 316 of the absorbent layer306. A cross-section of a portion of the absorbent layer 306 is shown inFIG. 7 to illustrate the embossed areas 310 and the non-embossed areas316. The embossed areas 310 define one or more grooves 320 between thedistribution layer 304 and the absorbent layer 306. Such grooves 320 areformed as a result of compressing the absorbent layer 306 to create theembossed areas 310. In the illustrative embodiment, the grooves 320 areformed substantially horizontally along the absorbent layer 306 towardthe peripheral regions of the absorbent layer 306 in a directionperpendicular to the vertical segments 124, 126 of the electrodes 114.The grooves 320 are adapted to provide flowpaths to guide moisture orfluid away from the targeted region 312 toward the peripheral regionsalong the grooves 320. As such, the grooves 320, in addition to theacquisition and distribution layers 302, 304, are configured todistribute moisture away in a direction perpendicular to the verticalelectrode segments 124, 126 of the moisture detection sensor system 112to achieve faster moisture detection.

In addition, the embossed areas 310 further define one or more capillarypathways extending substantially horizontally along the absorbent layer306 toward the peripheral regions of the absorbent layer 306 in adirection perpendicular to the vertical electrode segments 124, 126 ofthe moisture detection sensor system 112. The capillary pathways includethe compressed absorbent material of the embossed areas 310. As shown inFIG. 7, the compression of the absorbent material in the embossed areas310 results in a different density of fibers or material as compared tothe non-embossed areas 316. In other words, a density of the absorbentmaterial in the embossed area 310 is higher than a density of theabsorbent material in the non-embossed area 316 of the absorbent layer306. The difference in density of the absorbent material allows themoisture to wick from the non-embossed area 316 (i.e., the low densityarea) to the embossed area 310 (i.e., the high density areas) asindicated by arrows 318 in FIG. 7. As a result, the moisture is moreconcentrated along the embossed areas 310 and further travels downwardin the embossed areas 310 toward the moisture detection sensor system112 of the barrier layer 30 for faster moisture detection. It should beappreciated that in some embodiments, the acquisition layer 302, thedistribution layer 304, and the absorbent layer 306 of the moisturedetection pad 300 may be compressed to form embossed areas.

In addition to the combination of the horizontal orientation of thenonwoven material of the acquisition and distribution layers 302, 304and the horizontal density gradient of the absorbent material of theabsorbent layer 306, the embossed areas 310 further enhance the wickingproperty of the moisture detection pad and draw moisture in thehorizontal direction 314, shown in FIG. 5, from the targeted region 312faster toward peripheral regions of the absorbent layer 306 in adirection perpendicular to the vertical segments 124, 126 of theelectrodes 114. As such, the embossing feature of the moisture detectionpad 300 further enhances the directional wicking property of theincontinence detection pad 300 for faster detection and reduction offalse positives for incontinence detection caused by perspiration orother undesirable moisture detection.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an illustrative incontinence detection pad 400is shown. The incontinence detection pad 400 includes two absorbentblocks 410, 412 and one of the moisture detection pads 100, 200, 300. Inthe illustrative embodiment, each absorbent block 410, 412 is coupled tothe incontinence detection pad 100, 200, 300 on a respective side, suchthat the nonwoven moisture-wicking material of acquisition anddistribution layers of the moisture detection pad 100, 200, 300 extendfrom the first absorbent block 410 on a first side of the incontinencedetection pad 400 (i.e., the patient's right side when a patient 414 islying supine on the continence detection pad 400) to the secondabsorbent block 412 on a second side of the incontinence detection pad400 (i.e., the patient's left side when the patient 414 is lying supineon the continence detection pad 400). The absorbent blocks 410, 412 areadapted to absorb the moisture that has been wicked toward the first andsecond sides of the incontinence detection pad 400 in the horizontaldirection in order to provide a greater moisture storage. It should beappreciated that in some embodiments, the moisture detection pad 100,200, 300 may be surrounded by absorbent blocks similar to the blocks410, 412.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a moisture-wicking dressing 500 isshown. The moisture-wicking dressing 500 is constructed of soft,compliant material with layers that slide readily over one another sothat the moisture-wicking dressing 500 imposes limited pressure andshear to the vulnerable site. In the illustrative embodiment, themoisture-wicking dressing 500 comprises an upper layer 502, an absorbentlayer 504 positioned at a perimeter of the moisture-wicking dressing500, and a lower layer 506. The upper layer 502 includes amoisture-wicking material that forms a plurality of capillary pathways508 extending from a center of the moisture-wicking dressing 500 towardthe absorbent material 504 at the perimeter of the moisture-wickingdressing 500. The capillary pathway 508 is made of a high density of themoisture-wicking material configured to draw moisture away from thecenter of the moisture-wicking dressing 500. For example, in theillustrative embodiment, the moisture-wicking material is nonwoven andnon-linear polymeric or pulp fibers that are horizontally oriented intoa nonwoven web structure. In some embodiments, the moisture-wickingmaterial may be a three-dimensional fibrous or woven material. Theorientation of the capillary pathways 508 is adapted to providecapillary action or wicking properties to direct moisture in ahorizontal direction to draw the moisture toward peripheral regions ofthe upper layer 502.

As discussed above and shown in FIG. 10, the absorbent layer 504 ispositioned at an outer perimeter of the upper layer 502. In someembodiments, the absorbent layer 504 may be positioned between the upperlayer 502 and the lower layer 506. In such embodiment, the absorbentlayer 504 may be adapted to be in contact with the skin at an anatomicsite and with the upper layer 502. Lastly, the lower layer 506 has anadhesive lower surface capable of adhering to a person's skinsurrounding an anatomic site. The adhesive is provided only in theperipheral area of lower layer 506 in some embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, an illustrative microclimatemanagement topper system 600 is shown. The microclimate managementtopper system 600 includes a microclimate management topper 602 and ablower 704 removably coupled to the microclimate management topper 602via a conduit 606. In the illustrative embodiment, the fluid supply 604is an air blower 604 that can supply pressurized air into themicroclimate management topper 602. It should be appreciated that theblower 604 can supply a various other gasses and/or liquids. In someembodiments, the blower 604 may be directly connected to themicroclimate management topper 602. In other embodiments, the blower 604may be integrated or partially integrated within a patient supportapparatus 608, such as a mattress. It should be appreciated that, insome embodiments, the blower 604 may further include a heating element(not shown) and/or cooling element (not shown) that can heat and/or coolthe fluid being supplied.

The microclimate management topper 602 is configured to be positionedatop the patient support apparatus 608. The microclimate managementtopper 602 further includes a fluid inlet 610 and a fluid outlet 612. Inthe illustrative embodiment, the fluid inlet 610 is positioned at a footend of the patient lying supine on the microclimate management topper602, and the fluid outlet 612 is positioned along a side of themicroclimate management topper 602 at a head end of the patient lyingsupine on the microclimate management topper 602 opposite the fluidinlet 610. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the fluidinlet and the fluid outlet may be positioned on each side of the patientlying supine on the microclimate management topper 602.

As shown in FIG. 12, the microclimate management topper 602 includes anupper layer 614, a spacer layer 616, an absorbent layer 618, and abarrier layer 620. In the illustrative embodiment, the upper layer 614is liquid permeable, the absorbent layer 618 is air permeable, and thebarrier layer 620 is liquid impermeable to prevent any moisture fromleak into the patient support apparatus 608. The upper layer 614includes a moisture-wicking material. In the illustrative embodiment,the moisture-wicking material is nonwoven and non-linear polymeric orpulp fibers that are generally oriented vertically from an upper surface624 of microclimate management topper 602 downwardly toward the spacerlayer 616. Such orientation of the moisture-wicking material of theupper layer 614 is adapted to provide capillary action or wickingproperties to direct moisture in downward direction to draw the moistureaway from the upper surface 624 positioned against the patient's skin.In some embodiments, the moisture-wicking material may be interwovenpolymeric or pulp fibers that are generally oriented vertically from anupper surface 624 of the microclimate management topper 602 downwardlytoward the spacer layer 616.

The spacer layer 616 includes the fluid inlet 610 on a patient's footend of the microclimate management topper 602 and the fluid outlet 612 apatient's head end of the microclimate management topper 602. The spacerlayer 616 also includes a three-dimensional material between the fluidinlet 610 and the fluid outlet 612. The spacer layer 616 furtherincludes a moisture-wicking material. In the illustrative embodiment,the moisture-wicking material is interwoven polymeric or pulp fibers.The three-dimensional material and moisture-wicking material of thespacer layer 616 are air permeable and allows air from the blower 604 toflow along the spacer layer 616 from the fluid inlet 610 to the fluidoutlet 612, as indicated by arrows 622 in FIGS. 11 and 12. The spacerlayer 616 is configured to conduct air between the upper layer 614 andthe absorbent layer 616 of the microclimate management topper 602, anddraw the moisture away from the patient toward the fluid outlet 612. Thefluid outlet 612 is defined by the three-dimensional material exposed onthe patient's head end of the moisture wicking layer 616 of themicroclimate management topper 602. This allows air and moisture to exitthe microclimate management topper 602.

Once the moisture reaches the spacer layer 616, the moisture is carriedaway from evaporation by air flowing through the spacer layer 616 of themicroclimate management topper 602. Additionally, the remaining moisturemay be absorbed into the absorbent layer 618, which may then beevaporated by the air flowing through the spacer layer 616. As describedabove, the air from the blower 604 flows across the spacer layer 616from the fluid inlet 610 to the fluid outlet 612. Accordingly, thecooled-vapor from evaporation is directed toward the fluid outlet 612 toexit the microclimate management topper 602. In addition, because theblower 604 provides pressurized air, the cooled-vapor from evaporationmay be pushed upwardly toward the upper layer 614 of the microclimatemanagement topper 602. This not only removes the moisture at the uppersurface 624 of the microclimate management topper 602, but alsofacilitates to cool and dry the patient's skin around the interface ofthe patient's skin with the upper surface 624 of the microclimatemanagement topper 602. Further, the pressure from the blower 604 allowsthe air to maintain its flowpath 622, thus preventing the moisture fromreverse flow into the blower 604. In some embodiments, the microclimatemanagement topper 602 may further include a check valve (not shown) nearthe fluid inlet 610, which automatically prevents liquid fromoverflowing into the blower 604 while providing the air through thefluid inlet 610. In other embodiments, other types of check valve may beused.

In some embodiments, the microclimate management topper system 600 mayinclude a moisture detection sensor system 112 for detecting thepresence of moisture. The moisture detection sensor system 112 may beembedded in the barrier layer 620 of microclimate management topper 602and is similar to the moisture detection sensor system 112 describedabove in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-8.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, exemplary schematics of embodiments of amoisture detection system 812, 912, 1012, 1112 are shown. It should beappreciated that any one of the moisture detection systems 812, 912,1012, 1112 may be used with any one of the incontinence detection pads100, 200, 300, 400 shown in FIGS. 1-8. The moisture detection system812, 912, 1012, 1112 are configured to prevent false positive detectionsof incontinence events caused by erratic operation of the moisturedetection system. Similar to the moisture detection sensor system 112discussed above, the moisture detection systems 812, 912, 1012, 1112include a plurality of electrodes 814, 914, 1014, 1114, respectively,and a moisture detection sensor 816, 916, 1016, 1116, respectively. Themoisture detection sensor 816, 916, 1016, 1116 may be embodied as anRFID tag, for example.

The RFID tag 816, 916, 1016, 1116 is a passive tag or chip thatcommunicates with an associated reader by using the electromagneticfield generated by an associated RFID reader to power the RFID tag 816,916, 1016, 1116. In some embodiments, semi-passive or active RFID tagsare used. Additionally, the RFID tag 816, 916, 1016, 1116 is configuredto communicate with the RFID reader to send stored data, and the RFIDreader or other processing circuitry determines whether the incontinencepad is wet or dry by evaluating the data transmitted from the RFID tag816, 916, 1016, 1116. In the illustrative embodiments shown in FIGS.13-16, the RFID tags 816, 916, 1016, 1116 include a tamper input, whichis configured to activate an alert signal when the moisture detectionsystem 812, 912, 1012, 1112 is completed (e.g., a closed circuit) bymoisture connecting the electrodes 814, 914, 1014, 1114. It should benoted that during the transfer of electromotive forces (EMF) from RFIDreader to power the RIFD tag 816, 916, 1016, 1116, the EMF may enter thetamper input of the RFID tag 816, 916, 1016, 1116, which may causeerratic operation of the moisture detection systems 812, 912, 1012,1112. To prevent false positives caused by such erratic operation of themoisture detection systems 812, 912, 1012, 1112, a different mechanismmay be implemented in the moisture detection system 812, 912, 1012,1112.

In the illustrative embodiments, the moisture detection systems 812,912, 1012, 1112 operate at about 915 MHz. It should be appreciated thatin some embodiments, other frequencies may be used. An incontinence padtypically requires the plurality of electrodes 814, 914, 1014, 1114 toextend about 3λ long from the RFID tag 816, 916, 1016, 1116 to cover thelength of the incontinence pad for efficient detection. Additionally,this makes it efficient at coupling in the 915 MHz energy used to powerthe RFID tag 816, 916, 1016, 1116 as well as communicate with the RFIDreader.

The moisture detection system 812 shown in FIG. 13 further includesresistor inductor units (L/R) 818 and capacitors 820 that are configuredto suppress noise of the RFID tag 816. Whereas, the moisture detectionsystem 912 shown in FIG. 14 further includes a plurality of quarter waveresonant stubs 918 positioned close to the RFID tag. In the illustrativeembodiment, the quarter wave resonant stubs 918 are positioned betweenthe RFID tag and any vertical segments of the electrodes 914. Thequarter wave resonant stubs 918 are configured to produce a resonantfrequency at the center of the RFID band, for example, US RFID band from900-928 MHz. At 915 MHz, ¼λ works out to be approximately 3 inches long.Of course, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, otherfrequency band range may be used. The stubs are configured to eliminatethe 915 MHz energy from the input in the following way: the stubs are ¼λlong and unterminated. A wave traveling down the transmission line willbe reflected from the unterminated end of the transmission line andtravel back toward the opposite end of the stub. When the reflected wavearrives back at the end it entered, it will be exactly 180 degrees outof phase with the energy incident from the detection grid, therebycancelling the 915 MHz field out at the tamper input.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the moisture detection system 1012 includes aplurality of radial stubs 1018. The radial stub 918 is a more broadband¼λ stub. In the illustrative embodiments, the moisture detection system1012 includes four radial stubs 918: two of 60° included angle stubs andtwo of 90° included angle stubs. Such combination of stubs may allow auniversal suppression network that can operate in both the European 860MHz band as well as the US 915 MHz band without change. Additionally, insome embodiments, a phasing and matching network 1020 may be added tothe moisture detection system 1012, as shown in FIG. 16.

Referring to FIG. 16, the moisture detection system 1112 includes aphasing and matching network 1020 and printed RFID antenna 1022 added tothe moisture detection system 1012. In other words, the phasing andmatching network 1020 is configured to couple the moisture detectionsystem 1012 to the RFID transmit/receive antenna 1022 and match thecomplex impedance of the moisture detection system 1112 to the inputimpedance of the RFID chip/antenna, which is generally (24-j222Ω),assuming the antenna presents the characteristic impedance of the input.Such construction creates constructive interference as opposed todestructive interference at the tamper input pins.

Now referring to FIGS. 17A-D, a pairing process between a primary deviceand a secondary device such that the secondary device is associated witha location of the primary device is shown. For example, in theillustrative embodiment, the primary device is embodied as a patientsupport apparatus (e.g., a bed). The location of the bed is determinedusing either a wired connection to a communication unit on a room or awireless connection to a Real Time Locating System (RTLS). For example,as shown in FIG. 17A, the beds 1710, 1730, 1740 are connected to theserver 1750 using the wired connection, whereas, the bed 1720 isconnected to the server 1750 using the wireless RTLS. As shown in thetable of FIG. 17A, each bed has a unique identification number (“BEDID”). The server 1750 determines the bed 1710 is located in Room 501,the bed 1720 is located in Room 502, the bed 1730 is located in Room503, and the bed 1740 is located in Room 504. The server 1750 isconfigured to associate the location of the bed with the correspondingBED ID, such that when the bed sends data to the server 1750, the datais associated with the location of the bed.

As shown in FIG. 17B, a secondary device 1760, such as an incontinencedetection pad, may be mounted, attached, or placed on a bed. In theillustrative embodiment, the secondary device 1760 is embodied as anincontinence detection pad 1760 and is placed on the bed 1730. When theincontinence detection pad 1760 is initially placed on the bed 1730, acorresponding reader that communicates with the incontinence detectionpad 1760 is configured to communicate with the server 1750. It should beappreciated that some secondary devices may communicate directly withthe server 1750 using a wireless connection. In case of the incontinencedetection pad 1760, the incontinence detection pad 1760 is configured tocommunicate with a corresponding reader, which in turns communicateswith the server 1750. When the incontinence detection pad 1760 is in a“pairing mode,” the corresponding reader sends a message to the server1750 to inform that the incontinence detection pad 1760 is seeking acorresponding primary device (e.g., the corresponding bed 1730 in theillustrative embodiment). The server 1750 then commences monitoring theprimary devices connected for a distinct key. It should be appreciatedthat the distinct key may be defined by a manufacturer, a provider, or auser. The distinct key may be a sequence of events to transmit existingdata points from the bed that are unlikely to occur on any other bed.For example, the bed could be placed in a position with the head anglegreater than 60 degrees with all side rails down, or a single side railcould be raised and lowered five times within 10 seconds. Once theserver 1750 detects the distinct key, the server 1750 associates thesecondary device 1760 with that bed, and informs the secondary device1760 that it is now paired as shown in FIG. 17C. In some embodiments,the secondary device 1760 may confirm the pairing with a brief visual oraudible indication. It should be appreciated that each secondary devicemay be associated with the location of the primary device 1710, 1720,1730, 1740 as shown in the table in FIG. 17D.

It should also be appreciated that the pairing process 1700 enables asecondary device to be paired to the bed with no changes to the bedarchitecture, so that the server is able to associate that secondarydevice to the beds location. Identifying a location is desirable ifthese secondary devices are to send any type of data. For example, whenan incontinence detection pad transmits incontinence event data,information about the location of the incontinence event is needed tomake the data meaningful. It should be appreciated that in someembodiments, the primary and secondary devices may be paired usingBluetooth technology.

Although certain illustrative embodiments and graphical illustrationshave been described in detail above, variations and modifications existwithin the scope and spirit of this disclosure as described and asdefined in the following claims.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A method of determining a location of anincontinence detection pad, the method comprising: receiving at a readermounted on a first patient bed a wireless transmission from theincontinence detection pad, in response to receipt of the wirelesstransmission, sending from the reader a request to a remote server thatthe incontinence detection pad is seeking to be paired with the firstpatient bed, with the remote server, monitoring communications from aplurality of patient beds, including the first patient bed, for a key,detecting at the remote server the key as transmitted by the firstpatient bed, and pairing the incontinence detection pad with the firstpatient bed such that the incontinence detection pad is associated witha location of the first patient bed, wherein the location of the firstpatient bed is stored in the remote server prior to the incontinencedetection pad sending the wireless transmission to the reader.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, further comprising transmitting from the remoteserver a verification of the pairing between the incontinence detectionpad and the first patient bed.
 23. The method of claim 22, furthercomprising displaying a visual indication of the pairing in response tothe verification.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the visualindication is displayed on the incontinence detection pad.
 25. Themethod of claim 22, further comprising sounding an audible indication ofthe pairing in response to the verification.
 26. The method of claim 25,wherein the audible indication is sounded on the incontinence detectionpad.
 27. The method of claim 21, wherein the key is predefined by amanufacturer, a provider, or a user.
 28. The method of claim 21, whereinthe key comprises a predefined action of the patient bed.
 29. The methodof claim 28, wherein the predefined action comprises a sequence ofevents performed with the first patient bed that are unlikely to occuron any other of the patient beds of the plurality of patient beds. 30.The method of claim 28, wherein the predefined action comprises placinga head section of the first patient bed above a threshold angle andmoving all side rails of the first patient bed to lowered positions. 31.The method of claim 30, wherein the threshold angle is 60 degrees. 32.The method of claim 28, wherein the predefined action comprises raisingand lowering a side rail of the first patient bed a threshold number oftimes within a threshold period of time.
 33. The method of claim 32,wherein the threshold number of times comprises five times.
 34. Themethod of claim 33, wherein the threshold period of time comprises 10seconds.
 35. The method of claim 21, wherein the request from the readerto the remote server is sent wirelessly from the reader.
 36. The methodof claim 21, wherein the request from the reader to the remote server issent via a wired connection.
 37. The method of claim 21, wherein thefirst patient bed is connected to the remote server via a wirelessconnection.
 38. The method of claim 21, wherein the first patient bed isconnected to the remote server via a wired connection.
 39. The method ofclaim 21, wherein the first patient bed is connected to the remoteserver through a communication unit in a room with the first patientbed.
 40. The method of claim 21, wherein the remote server does notperform the monitoring for the key until after receiving the requestfrom the reader.